Peg

Peg is a diminutive of Margaret, which comes from the Greek word 'margarites' meaning 'pearl'. The transition from Margaret to Peg involved several intermediate forms. In medieval England, Margaret was a very popular name, and various short forms and pet names emerged, including Meg, Mag, and eventually Peg. The 'P' sound likely developed as a playful or affectionate alteration of the 'M' sound, a common linguistic phenomenon in the creation of diminutives.

The name Peg gained popularity as a standalone nickname, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries. While it has largely been superseded by other diminutives of Margaret like Maggie or Daisy (which also derives from Margaret), Peg retains a vintage charm and is still occasionally used, often evoking a sense of classic, no-nonsense character.